“Opening a shop?” Everyone looked up in unison, speaking as one.
“Mhm, that’s what she said,” Xiao Guo’er nodded solemnly.
Duan Ning stretched lazily. “If she wants to open one, let her. Her Muxue Pavilion is quite profitable; it’s not strange for her to open a couple more.”
Xiao Guo’er shook her head. “The Palace Master didn’t agree.”
This piqued everyone’s interest. “Oh? Why not?”
“Because this time, she supposedly wants to open a medicinal herb shop.”
“Ohhh~” They all nodded in realization, their gazes shifting simultaneously toward a certain guest room on the second floor...
***
“No.”
“Why not?” Chu Ruo was currently barely half a head taller than the round table, crouching-sitting on the floor in a fawning manner. “I’ve done the math; we won’t lose money.”
Still, just two words: “Absolutely not.”
“Xue’er~ Wifey~ It’s very profitable. Look, I made a business plan, with investments and projected profits...”
Nan Muxue sat upright, remaining indifferent to the person clinging to her side. “No.”
“Why? Give me a reason! I’ve been talking for ages, and all you say is ‘no, no, no.’”
“The reason? Are you not clear in your own heart?”
“No, listen, this is a guaranteed win. If it weren't for this Wulin Assembly, I wouldn't have known how much money there is in herbs. Do you know how expensive Forsythia is lately? The price is skyrocketing outside, but I found a supplier for only this much...”
“Since you’ve already found everything, why come to ask me?”
*...I don’t think I’ve provoked you in the last two days,* Chu Ruo thought, forcing a smile. “Well, you’re the Lady of the house. Whatever happens, you have to be the one to make the call.”
“I don’t see it that way. Otherwise,” Nan Muxue finally spared her a glance, “I wouldn’t have said ‘no’ three times only for you to keep rambling on.”
Chu Ruo refused to give up. “It really is profitable. I just want to expand our sources of income.”
“Is that so?”
“Of course! Besides, it’s another line for gathering intelligence. Aside from ordinary people, martial artists use medicine the most. While the Wulin Assembly hasn't ended yet, we can make a killing.”
“So, you’ve truly put a lot of painstaking effort into this.”
“Well, obviously—”
Nan Muxue needed only to lightly lift her hand and pinch the other’s chin. “Such painstaking effort... to do business with your Miss Zhier?”
“I—” *This Little Scorpion... if she moves, she really dares to pinch me to death.* “How... how did you kno—”
A cold snort. “How did I know? You’re being so diligent; if it isn’t for your Miss Zhier, then who is it for?”
Just as Chu Ruo opened her mouth to reply, the other spoke again. “Forsythia is indeed a good thing.”
*This damn pressure... how is this woman so smart?* “Wha—what? I don’t understand.”
“It seems that eating those melon seeds didn't just give you internal heat, but made you forgetful as well. She merely prescribed you some Forsythia, yet you’ve already become obsessed? You even know the market price outside perfectly, and oh, you just said that even the supplier isn't an issue.”
“Xue’er,” Chu Ruo took her soft hand, “isn't this just a profitable business venture?”
“Why hide it from me?”
“Well... if you knew I was partnering with Zhier, would you have agreed?”
“No.”
“...See? I already discussed it with Zhier. I’ll provide the capital, she’ll handle the herbs, and we’ll split it fifty-fifty.”
Nan Muxue scoffed. “What, does she not claim to be wealthy? She actually looks favorably upon a tiny medicinal shop?”
“Aiyaya, it’s about making money, making—”
Nan Muxue turned her head. “Or perhaps, her interest isn't in the wine, but in the drinker.”
*Cough, cough...* “Don’t overthink it. We’re just partnering for a small business.”
“Since you’ve already decided, why come to ask me?”
“Well... isn't all the money with you?”
*Clack!* The teacup was set down. “So you’re saying, if you had the silver right now, you wouldn't need to go through me at all.”
“No, no...”
Nan Muxue stood up. “I do not agree to this.”
“Is there no room for negotiation?”
“None.”
One would have thought Chu Ruo would behave and listen. After all, since their marriage, she had been obedient to Nan Muxue in all sorts of ways. Yet, for some reason, a nerve snapped today, and she suddenly stood up. “I’m going to open it anyway!”
“You dare?”
“Why wouldn't I dare?”
*Crash! Smash!*
*Tsk, tsk, tsk.* The onlookers downstairs shook their heads. They were fighting again.
After that, Chu Ruo began trying to borrow money everywhere. The result, of course, was hitting a wall at every turn.
“Hey, hey—”
“Stop right there,” Nan Gongyan and Duan Ning interrupted her directly. “Just give up. Xue’er has issued a death order: no one is allowed to lend you money. You might as well keep your mouth shut.”
“I say, you two, are we not life-and-death friends who have shared hardships together?”
“Psh,” Duan Ning tossed a melon seed at her, her expression mocking. “No money, but I have a handful of seeds. Want some?”
“Go away!” Ever since the last time she got a nosebleed from melon seeds and had to suffer through days of a vegetarian diet, she was thoroughly repulsed by them. “Aiya, just lend me a little. Xue’er won’t find out. I’ll give you a cut of the profits!”
Nan Gongyan crossed her arms. “Do you take Xue’er for a fool? I say you should just give up. Who dares to defy something Xue’er has decided?”
“I won’t! That Little Scorpion... I’m definitely opening this shop!”
Nan and Duan leaned in, sandwiching her between them. “Since you two got married, you’ve been as obedient as can be. What’s wrong this time? Why are you so dead-set on this herb shop? No wonder Xue’er is angry. It’s one thing to open it, but you have to partner with that woman surnamed Bai. What were you thinking?”
“To make money! Besides, isn't it good for the Baihua Palace to have more industries? Medicine and herbs are indispensable to martial artists. If this line is developed well, other sects will have to stay on even better terms with us.”
Nan Gongyan raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure it’s not because you want to be with that girl...”
“I’m telling you guys, really! I already said there’s nothing going on between Zhier and me!”
“Nonsense.” Duan Ning rolled her eyes. “As if you’d dare. Xue’er doesn't tolerate sand in her eyes.”
“Actually, she knows, but she just insists on being a vinegar jar.”
A chill ran down her spine. Nan and Duan suddenly went silent. That familiar, eerie feeling—it was obvious who had arrived. Duan Ning grabbed Nan Gongyan and bolted several miles away, not forgetting to add a parting shot: “The two of us didn't lend her a single cent!”
“No loyalty!” Chu Ruo waved her hand in anger, then turned to see Nan Muxue. Over the past few days, they had bickered constantly over the shop. She huffed, “Hmph!”
Nan Muxue’s face grew even colder. “If you dare open it, I will smash your shop.”
*Crack! Bang!*
Xiao Guo’er shook her head again. They were fighting *again*...
***
“Zhier.”
“Ruo’er,” Bai Zhier put down her medical text, smiling gently. “Still couldn't borrow it? Why bother? I told you already, I have silver here. There’s no need to worry. Just consider it a loan from me...”
Chu Ruo shook her head. “We agreed I’d provide the money and you’d handle the herbs. If you provide the money too, what kind of partnership is that? I might as well let you do it yourself.”
“Do you still need to be so formal with me? Ruo’er, you are sometimes foolishly cute. If she won’t give you the silver, what’s the difference between borrowing from others and borrowing from me?”
“Anyway, I just don’t want to use your money. A partnership is a partnership. Don’t worry about it; I’ll find a way.”
“Fine, fine,” Bai Zhier said with a hint of amusement, coaxing her. “I won’t interfere. However, the owner of that storefront is coming to collect the payment in a few days. If you still don’t have it, I’m afraid the shop will be snatched up by someone else.”
Chu Ruo gulped down several mouthfuls of water. “I know. That shop is in a prime location; otherwise, it wouldn't be so expensive. Luckily, I put down a deposit. I heard a herb merchant also wants that spot.”
“So, you’d better hurry.”
Chu Ruo patted her chest. “Don’t underestimate me! Look how well I’ve managed those inns. Hmph,” she added smugly, “I think even if I didn't practice martial arts, I’d be a business genius.”
Bai Zhier laughed. “Ruo’er, you are quite un-humble sometimes.”
“Enough talk, I still have to find a way to raise the silver. I’m off!”
Zhier called out to the departing figure. “The sun has been fierce these past few days. You’ve been running around so much; I just made some Cooling Pills. Keep one under your tongue to ward off the heat.”
Chu Ruo caught it and immediately popped one in. “It’s icy and refreshing, and the taste isn't too strong. Thanks, Zhier! I’m going now, wait for my good news!”
***
On the day of the payment, Chu Ruo actually paid the silver on time. This came as a small surprise to everyone.
Xiao Guo’er poked her. “I say, where did you get the money? Oh, it must be the Palace Master softening her heart and giving you...”
“Stop right there. She wouldn't. Stingy, Little Scorpion,” Chu Ruo said, then instinctively looked around. *Safe, she’s not nearby.* “Stingy to the extreme.”
“If it wasn't the Palace Master, then where did it come from?”
“I can’t say. Why are you asking so much? You didn't give me any when I asked to borrow from you.”
“Even if I wanted to, how much silver do I make in a month? Not to mention the Palace Master’s orders...”
“Yes, yes, she practically told the entire Jianghu not to lend me money. None of the people I know were willing to lend me a cent. I really have her to thank for that.”
Xiao Guo’er helped Chu Ruo tidy up the shop, asking, “Still, you’re quite capable to get the money despite all that.”
While the other wasn't looking, Chu Ruo’s face flashed with a few seconds of awkwardness. “Anyway, let’s just clean up.”
“Wait... you didn't go out and steal or rob, did you?! Heavens, you’re a Palace Master of Baihua Palace now; how could you do something so disgraceful?!”
...Chu Ruo really wanted to kick the girl out, but looking at her completely empty coin purse, she couldn't even afford to hire help. *Forget it, I’ll endure you.*
***
The new shop opened...
Xiao Guo’er looked at Chu Ruo with disdain. “What are you doing? Have you caught a twitching fit?”
“Her?” Duan Ning arrived just then, taking over the conversation. “She’s looking left and right because she’s afraid someone will come to wreck the place.”
Nan Gongyan also smiled. “No need to worry. Xue’er didn't come. We took a look before we left; she went out.”
“Out? Where to?”
“Not here, at any rate.” The two handed over their congratulatory gifts. “What, looking at you, you seem a bit disappointed?”
“As if!” Chu Ruo spoke stubbornly. “I’m just afraid she’ll come to smash my shop.”
“Duplicitous.”
“At least you two have some loyalty,” Chu Ruo said, clutching the gifts to her chest. “Where are the others?”
Duan Ning curled her lip. “Who has time to come here and be crazy with you? Only this lady and Yan’er are kind-hearted enough.”
“Fine, fine. Today is my grand opening; I won’t argue with you. See? Even other sects have come to congratulate me.”
“Smug. If that’s the case, why didn't you just open a clinic?”
“A clinic needs doctors. I can’t exactly make Zhier work for me. The House of the Medicine God also plans to open clinics in the next couple of years. Other doctors aren't as skilled as Zhier, and I wouldn't settle for less. Besides, every sect has its own doctors. Like I said, everyone needs herbs. It’s a guaranteed profit.”
“You’re oversimplifying. By that logic, if sects have their own fixed doctors, they naturally have their own herb sources. Why would they come to you?”
“With Zhier’s reputation, are you afraid there won’t be business? We’ll take it slow. I didn't invest too much anyway.”
Nan Gongyan exposed her. “You wanted to, you just didn't have the silver.”
“You two are really not cute at all.”
“Hmph.” Duan Ning pulled Nan Gongyan away. “Anyway, the gift is delivered. We’re not staying here to be crazy with you. We’re going to find Yunshuang and Liuli. Let’s go!”
“Ruo’er?”
“Zhier, is it busy inside?”
Bai Zhier walked toward her, speaking gently. “It’s manageable. Hmm, is this a congratulatory gift?”
Chu Ruo grunted as she tore it open. “Yeah, they finally showed a tiny bit of conscience. But only a tiny bit; it’s quite heavy. This box is pretty. Zhier, what do you think it is?”
“You’ll know once you open it.”
Chu Ruo opened the box and took out the glittering object inside. In the sunlight, it was so bright it nearly blinded her. “An abacus! A gold one!” Though not as large as a standard abacus, it was more like an exquisite handheld ornament, fitting perfectly in her palm. “The beads actually move! Wow, it’s so delicate. Zhier, look, these beads are tiny, but they’re actually carved with dragons and phoenixes. It’s beautiful! Are those two really this generous? I take back what I said; they have more than just a tiny bit of conscience.”
Such a lavish gift—how could it have been sent by those two? Bai Zhier saw through it but didn't say anything. “Then you’d better keep it safe. Don’t lose it.”
“Of course!” Chu Ruo cherished it dearly, tucking it into her robes, then taking it out again to compare it against her waist. “I need to buy a nice cord to hang it from my belt. That way I can see it anytime and it won’t fall off.”
“In that case, I have something for you as well.”
“Ah, there’s no need for that. We opened this shop together; how can you give me a gift...”
“Take it,” Zhier said, brooking no argument.
Chu Ruo took it. It was a book. She looked at the cover. “Introduction to Medicinal Herbs?”
“Mhm.” Zhier nodded. “Since you want to do the herb business, even if you only provide the capital, you should still recognize the herbs. This is an introductory manual I wrote myself. It uses simple, easy-to-understand terms. Just read the basics so you can at least tell good herbs from bad. It’s for your own good.”
“Okay. Zhier, you’re so thoughtful. You know I’m a transmigrator...” Having known each other for so many years, Chu Ruo hadn't hidden the fact of her transmigration. She had mentioned it during a casual chat once. “The things you write are very easy to follow.”
Zhier blinked. “Just don’t let my painstaking efforts go to waste.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll remember to read it!”
Just then, the sounds of children bickering came from inside. “Those two little devils. Let’s go in and handle them.”
***
That night, Chu Ruo and Nan Muxue finally met in their room.
They faced each other in silence, neither speaking to the other. But Chu Ruo was the one who couldn't hold out. As they prepared for bed, she initiated the conversation. “Where were you all day?”
Nan Muxue kept her back to her, replying coldly, “What does it have to do with you?”
“You—I am your husband!”
Nan Muxue gave a mocking huff. “Husband?”
“Well, you’re my wifey, that much is definitely true.”
Then, no reply.
Chu Ruo couldn't help herself and embraced her from behind. “Tell me, where did you actually go?”
“With such a big business as a herb shop, do you still have the mind to care where I go?”
“Anyway... anyway, it’s already open.”
“If it’s open, I can also make it close.”
Chu Ruo decided to coax her wife. She grinned. “You said you’d smash my shop, but you didn't go today. It’s clear you’re just a softie at heart.”
“I simply had matters to attend to today.”
“...You!”
“If you make another sound, get out.”
*Fine, I won’t talk.* Chu Ruo stuck out her tongue. Of course, she knew when to stop; after all, this Little Scorpion could read minds.
***
Business at the herb shop was quite good. Every day, Chu Ruo would hold her little gold abacus, clicking the beads for show, her eyes crinkling with laughter.
“I told you I was a business genius! Of course, the most amazing one is you, Zhier. Without you, people wouldn't come to patronize us. Like Duan Ning and the others said, they could buy herbs anywhere; they’re all coming for the descendant of the House of the Medicine God.”
“That’s just basking in the glory of my ancestors. Your vision isn't bad either, Ruo’er. However, you’ve been stocking a lot of rare and expensive herbs lately. Be careful of overstocking.”
Chu Ruo didn't take it to heart. “Aiya, these sects have money. It won’t go to waste.”
“But...”
“Just relax. Do you know? We’ve made this much recently!”
Bai Zhier nodded. “It is quite impressive. However, I’m still curious—who exactly lent you the money?”
No matter who asked, Chu Ruo refused to say. She just had one answer: “I can’t say. Regardless, I didn't steal or rob.”
“Fine. I’m taking Bai’er back to Xianlai Island for a few days. I’ll leave the shop entirely to you.”
“Why are you suddenly going back?”
“It’s nothing major. A few herbs I planted are ready for harvest. These herbs are rare and only harvested every few years. Once picked, they must be processed into medicine immediately. If I miss it, I’ll have to wait years again. It’s also a good chance to take Bai’er back to see the world.”
“Then go ahead. Leave the shop to me.”
“Those two young attendants know some herbs, but they are young after all. You must watch them carefully. Fortunately, there are no big orders lately. Make sure you read the manual I gave you.”
Chu Ruo was busy playing with her abacus, replying absentmindedly, “Got it! Just relax.”
***
Only one day after Bai Zhier left, a huge deal arrived.
Xiong Feng of the Sea Dragon Gang came to find Chu Ruo, wanting to order a large quantity of rare herbs. The price he offered was nearly double the market rate. Chu Ruo looked at the list; it was perfect for clearing out the stock she had recently acquired. There were a few even rarer items she didn't have enough of, but having been in the business for a while, she naturally had a few familiar sources. So, she agreed wholeheartedly. However, Xiong Feng had a condition: delivery within ten days. If she couldn't deliver on time, she would have to pay double the compensation. This rule was reasonable; she had taken similar orders before with such requirements. Besides, it was obvious Xiong Feng was trying to look after the Baihua Palace’s business. Even though she had opened this shop herself, it was for the sake of her Little Scorpion. Otherwise, why would he offer such a high price? The two signed a contract, and Xiong Feng left a twenty percent deposit before departing.
Things went smoothly. The herbs were all prepared, with five days left until delivery. Chu Ruo looked at the hundred-year-old mountain ginseng she had acquired. The price for a single stalk was already exorbitant, and Xiong Feng had ordered three. Since Nan Muxue had cut off her finances and forbidden her from using the money from the Muxue Pavilion shops, the herb shop had made some money, but not enough to buy the ginseng. In the end, she gritted her teeth and mortgaged the shop itself to get them. “Nan’er, come, look. These stalks of mountain ginseng weren't cheap. Once this deal is done, I can pay back the silver you and your brother lent me! With interest!”
Indeed, Nan Muxue had forbidden everyone from lending Chu Ruo money. In the end, Chu Ruo had turned her attention to Nan’er. Surprisingly, Nan’er had lent it, and when it wasn't enough, she had even roped in Dong’er. Relying on the two children’s private savings, she had managed to scrape enough together. It also showed that she usually gave them quite a lot of pocket money.
“Master,” Nan’er looked up, “is this really hundred-year-old mountain ginseng?”
“Of course! I paid a huge price for it.”
“I’ve seen it in books; it seems a bit different.”
“???” *What books? This is no joking matter.* The more Chu Ruo looked, the more her heart sank. Unable to help herself, she stood up abruptly. “Go play by yourself; I need to find someone to take a look.”
When she returned, her face was a picture of impending doom. “It’s over. It’s all over. This isn't old mountain ginseng at all.”
Misfortunes never come singly. The young attendant in the shop told her that the Astragalus sent by the shopkeeper on West Street was thirty percent fake, and some other herbs hadn't been stored properly and were damaged, along with various other messes...
In short, she was finished.
***
That night, she returned to her room dejected. Bankruptcy was imminent, and she tossed and turned.
Nan Muxue didn't say a word. In her heart, she couldn't help but gloat a little, but she was still sulking. Besides, the Little Scorpion hadn't agreed to the shop in the first place. *Sigh, I don’t know how to explain this to Zhier when she gets back. And the money from Nan’er and her brother... this time, I’m really finished.*
Anxiety burned within her. She spent two days frantically searching for a solution, but couldn't think of anything. Even if she contacted Bai Zhier, she wouldn't make it back from Xianlai Island in time. As the deadline drew closer, Chu Ruo finally fell ill with a fever after running around in the rain all day.
In her delirious state, she kept muttering, “The shop... my shop...”
Her forehead felt cool, and her surroundings seemed soft. She thought she heard the Little Scorpion’s voice, but she couldn't hear clearly...
“The shop!”
She sat up with a start. Xiao Guo’er was startled. “You’d better just lie down.”
“It’s gone,” Chu Ruo collapsed back mechanically. “My life’s blood... waah... my herb shop...”
“If it’s gone, it’s gone. You have so many other shops.”
“This is money I borrowed from others. I’m partners with Zhier. How can I face them?”
“You...”
*Creak.* Nan Muxue pushed the door open and entered. Xiao Guo’er tactfully left, not forgetting to close the door behind her.
The other woman sat by the bed, holding a bowl of medicine. “Drink.”
Chu Ruo was utterly despondent. “I’m not in the mood.”
Nan Muxue chuckled softly. “I just don’t want to waste this medicine. It came from your shop, after all.”
“You—” *Poking at my sore spot... truly a Little Scorpion.* Originally, Chu Ruo wanted to ignore her, but she still felt feverish. Looking at the other woman, she used her remaining strength to prop herself up and suddenly huddled into her embrace.
Nan Muxue didn't push her away. Instead, she brought the medicine to her lips. “You really are shameless.”
“Xue’er, Xue’er~” Perhaps she was truly sad; she didn't even complain about the bitterness as she was fed spoonful by spoonful. “My shop is going to be gone. I’m bankrupt. Waah... and the money from Nan’er and her brother, and Zhier... how can I face them? Waah...”
Nan Muxue patted her head. “Are you actually going to cry?”
“I—my shop is about to be gone! Can’t I cry a little?”
“Let this matter be a lesson to you. How can business be treated so lightly?”
“What do you mean lightly? Didn't I manage the Xueruo Pavilion well before?”
“Xueruo Pavilion was already running normally. After buying it, you merely added some ideas. The people were also arranged for you by me. Have you ever truly done everything yourself, hmm?”
Chu Ruo was speechless. “I...”
“You only thought about how sects are willing to spend money, how a single dose of medicine is dozens of taels. Have you ever thought that ordinary disciples only use liniments worth a few copper coins? Moreover, those sects have their own sources. If you had started with your feet on the ground, even if something went wrong, it wouldn't be the worst. But you specifically chose to trade in rare and expensive herbs. One mistake, and you have nothing.”
“I... I was wrong.”
Seeing her like this, Nan Muxue’s heart softened, and she pulled her closer. “You really are a handful.”
Chu Ruo spoke tentatively, “Then... Xue’er, help me.”
Meeting those eyes, she saw the same softness reflected there. Everything melted into a single word: “Fine.”
***
Chu Ruo knew Nan Muxue was efficient, but she never expected that in just one day, the matter would be resolved.
“Resolved?” She nearly jumped out of bed in excitement. “Wifey, how did you handle it so quickly?”
Nan Muxue pinched her ear. “How hard could it be? Just spend some more silver to complete the stock.”
“But I clearly looked at so many places before and no one had stock! Especially the old mountain ginseng; you can’t buy it even with money.”
“Worry about yourself instead.” Nan Muxue felt her forehead. “The fever keeps coming and going. Why do you fall ill the moment something happens? Are you faking it?”
“I am not!” Chu Ruo leaned in. “Xue’er is the best.”
“Oh? Haven't you been calling me a Little Scorpion ten thousand times in your heart lately?”
“No, no! My Xue’er is the most amazing!”
“Save the sweet talk. Have you learned your lesson this time?”
Chu Ruo nodded vigorously. “I’ve learned, I’ve learned! I’ll listen to you from now on.”
“The silver spent this time will be deducted entirely from your Muxue Pavilion profits.”
“You don’t give me any money anyway...”
“Hmm?”
“That... give me a little money, will you? I still owe Nan’er and her brother. If I don’t pay them back, I’m afraid they’ll strangle me. I’d rather owe you.”
Nan Muxue pinched her face again. “You don’t need to worry about that. I will pay them back for you.”
“You really won’t let me touch a single cent.”
“In the future, it depends on your performance. If you behave well, I’ll give you ten taels a month.”
“Can you give me a bit more?”
“Five taels.”
“Ten taels it is! Don’t reduce it, don’t reduce it!”
***
Not long after Nan Muxue left, Bai Zhier arrived. “Ruo’er.”
“Zhier, you’re back!”
“I came back as soon as I received the letter. You dummy, was there a need to be so anxious? At worst, we’d just pay him some silver.”
“It wasn't just about the silver. It’s... anyway, let it be a lesson to me, so I don’t get so arrogant.” *My heart aches... I lost such a huge sum of money.*
“Mhm. I have good news.”
“What?”
“The guy who sold you the fake ginseng? I caught him.”
“Really! How did you find him?”
Bai Zhier smiled. “Every trade has people who do such things. How could herb matters be difficult for me? He spent nearly half of your money, but I recovered the rest for you.”
“Wow, Zhier, you’re amazing! Thank you! You and Xue’er must be two angels sent to save me. I’m telling you, Xue’er is incredible; she solved it in a single day.”
Zhier curled her lip. “How incredible could she be? She just spent more money, that’s all.”
“It wasn't just that. She handled all the stock I bought, and the people who gave me fakes or damaged goods... the Sea Dragon Gang also signed a long-term contract with us, and so many other things...”
“I see you’re absolutely worshipping her now.”
“Hehe, Xue’er is naturally very capable. She’s good at everything she does. But Zhier is too. Actually, I’ve been riding on your coattails. Xue’er was right to scold me. If she hadn't been backing me up all this time, I don’t know what would have become of me. I have to be more careful in the future and not get so carried away.”
“Fine, get some rest. I’m going out.”
***
As Bai Zhier walked out, she saw Nan Muxue. She raised an eyebrow. “You really are wicked.”
“Mind your own business.”
“If you can do it, why are you afraid of me saying it? You knew Ruo’er was nervous about this shop, yet you nearly made her close it down.”
“Is that so? I merely found her a business deal. She was the one who was careless and fell for someone’s trap.”
“You knew that ginseng was fake, yet you didn't warn her. If you hadn't intentionally set the trap, would she have fallen for it?”
Nan Muxue stood with her hands behind her back. “I’m more curious—since you knew, why didn't you speak up?”
Just then, Chu Ruo, perhaps feeling the room was stuffy, opened the window. Seeing the two outside, she grinned at them. The two naturally smiled back at her with doting expressions.
Bai Zhier’s face was full of smiles, but she wasn't looking at the woman beside her. “I agree on one point, and I think you feel the same. She has been... well, getting arrogant lately. She needed to learn a lesson. It just ended up benefiting you; she worships you now.”
“In this world, the most incredible person in Ruo’er’s heart can only be me.” Nan Muxue’s tone shifted. “But you still caught the man who sold the fake ginseng for her.”
The other woman crossed her arms. “Someone has to soften the wall for her. No matter what you do in the future, I will still hold an unbreakable jade bowl to catch the blood from her forehead when she hits that wall.”
This was the first time Nan Muxue asked the other with curiosity rather than mockery, “Was it truly just to let her learn a lesson that you didn't speak up?”
Bai Zhier smiled without a word. In her mind, she recalled the introductory herb manual she had given Chu Ruo, only to discover it was currently being used to prop up a wobbly table leg. *Ruo’er, you really needed to learn a lesson this time.*
But she didn't know that the book had been seen and borrowed by Nan’er one day, only to be spotted by Bai Su. Bai Su wouldn't let her look at it, and the two had gotten into a fight. The book had somehow been shoved under the table leg during the scuffle. However, it also showed that Chu Ruo hadn't taken it to heart; otherwise, how could she not have remembered it?
Over there, Chu Ruo was still laughing heartlessly, while the two women outside each harbored their own thoughts.
***
